We do not create products without a purpose
eVent Fabrics, founded in 1999, revolutionised the industry with the first air-permeable 100 per cent waterproof membrane and continues to innovate with sustainable, high-performance textiles. The company is globally recognised for its breathable waterproof solutions and commitment to reliable, high-performance laminates. Trusted by leading brands, eVent Fabrics sets the standard for performance and sustainability in outerwear, footwear, and accessories. Speaking to Fibre2Fashion, President Chad Kelly discusses innovations in performance fabrics, and how they are shaped by government regulations.
How do you see the performance fabrics industry evolving in the next five years, particularly in terms of new material technologies and their potential applications?
I believe we will continue to see incremental improvements in many ways but with a stronger focus on providing material technologies for urban fashion and the lifestyle segments. These brands are now seeking higher performance but packaged in everyday materials.
How do you envision the future of performance fabrics evolving, particularly with advancements in technologies like AI and nanomaterials?
Material innovations will emerge from various directions. I believe most advancements will be incremental, and the companies that can effectively harness and combine these innovations will benefit the most. For instance, integrating improved moisture management and enhanced performance with sustainable fibres, alongside innovations like energy harvesting for powering personal electronics or smart garments that monitor vital signs and fitness, will be key. The real breakthroughs will come from merging these technologies to create fabrics that not only perform well but also offer added functionalities.
eVent Fabrics has been known for its unique membrane technology. Could you explain what makes your ePTFE membrane stand out from competitors in the performance fabrics industry?
Our proprietary Direct Venting Technology is well known for its outstanding air permeability. However, considering new legislations in the US and Europe, this technology will only be available for military and other extreme applications beginning January 2025.
What are the key industries that benefit from eVent’s waterproof and breathable fabrics, and how do you tailor your innovations to meet the specific needs of these sectors?
The outdoor industry has been our main industry, but we do work within many industries interested in developing exceptional outerwear such as hunting, fishing, golf, streetwear, ski, bike and more.
Sustainability is a major focus for modern fabric technologies. How is eVent Fabrics addressing environmental concerns in terms of material sourcing and manufacturing processes?
We are consistently assessing our supply chain and adjusting to reduce our impact on the environment. We also have already developed a handful of PFAS-free fabric technologies such as alpineST and eVent BIO that also feature recycled face and backer fabrics and C0 DWR. alpineSt deserves a little extra recognition for its long-lasting waterproofness and durability, which means it will stay out of the landfill for longer.
Could you walk us through the research and development process behind launching a new fabric innovation? How does eVent balance performance with user comfort?
Every product starts with a why – it must serve a purpose. From there, the eVent Innovation team, along with our product testers, works closely with our supply chain to fine tune the product. This ensures the optimal combination of textiles, membrane technologies, treatments, and lamination processes for the appropriate laminate application. Again, the product must have a purpose.
How have you seen the market for performance fabrics evolve in recent years, particularly with consumer expectations for durability and environmental responsibility?
Certainly, the focus has been on sustainability, but sometimes at the cost of durability. We have specifically addressed this challenge with alpineST, which has high durability in a PFAS-free laminate.
Given that eVent Fabrics is used in outdoor gear, protective wear, and footwear, how do you ensure your fabrics meet the diverse functional requirements of such a wide array of products?
We do not create products without a purpose. While there are several crossover products, we do create laminates/technologies with an end use in mind. Each of the product categories mentioned addresses different purposes. For outdoor, 2½ and three-layer fabrics are developed to meet the primary function of foul weather protection. For protective, the fabrics must be durable and resist chemicals and fire/heat. For footwear, it is 3- and 4-layer waterproof fabrics that meet flex testing, so essentially each of these product categories require distinct kinds of details.
What role does collaboration with manufacturers, designers, and brands play in driving innovation at eVent?
We collaborate with all our customers from a consultative approach. We recognise that neither we nor our customers have all the answers. The most effective problem-solving and innovation arise from these interactions, as we work together to address challenges and develop solutions.
With the growing popularity of athleisure and performance clothing in daily fashion, how is eVent Fabrics positioned to capture this evolving trend?
eVent BIO is our PFAS-free fabric technology for this sector. It has a soft hand, is slightly stretchy, and is a ‘quiet’ fabric that has already been adapted by brands such as Free People Movement.
What are some of the biggest challenges eVent faces in expanding its global reach?
One of the biggest challenges for eVent is raising awareness about our new performance-oriented PFAS-free technologies, especially in a market saturated with various solutions. While we can meet lab specifications like many others, our strength lies in delivering exceptional performance. The challenge is ensuring that brands recognise this unique advantage of eVent.
What role do government regulations and standards play in shaping the performance fabrics industry, particularly in areas like environmental sustainability and safety requirements?
Government regulations play a significant role, especially with the current PFAS-free movement. These regulations often drive change, sometimes pushing companies like eVent to adapt before the market is fully prepared, which can be challenging. A good example is the transition from C8 to C6 to C0 DWRs. Consumers did not fully understand this change, and it took years for the market to adjust. I believe with upcoming sustainability legislation, we will see a similar scenario, but this time, it will lead to more meaningful progress.
How is eVent working to improve sustainability within its supply chains and manufacturing processes to meet growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products?
eVent’s goal is to make thoughtful progress in this area. We continuously review our supply chains and actively collaborate with our partners to enhance sustainability practices throughout our processes.
How do global trade policies, supply chain disruptions, or geopolitical events affect the performance fabrics industry, and what strategies can companies adopt to mitigate these risks?
Diversification is key. We have established supply chains in China, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Europe, enabling us to manufacture products in multiple countries. This allows us to adapt quickly and pivot when policies change, or disruptions occur.
How do you foresee the integration of electronics or sensors with performance fabrics impacting the future of clothing and gear?
I believe smart textiles and wearable technologies are still in their infancy. While there are some exciting innovations emerging, they are currently cost-prohibitive. However, in the next five years or so, I expect eVent will begin incorporating these technologies into our products as they become more accessible and practical.
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